Damon back to his old self

Jun. 11, 2008

Written by

Peter Abraham
The Journal News

OAKLAND, Calif. - Johnny Damon reported to spring training determined to reclaim his place as one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball.

Damon had slipped badly in 2007, hitting a career-worst .270 and scoring only 93 runs, his fewest since 1997 when he was with the low-octane Kansas City Royals. A series of leg injuries took away much of his power at the plate and speed on the bases.

"Last year, I wasn't healthy for at least 100 games," Damon said last night before the Yankees beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1. "You could definitely tell. But things have gone OK so far this year." ...